Consumer studies

Nutrient content and portion size of avocados

The nutritional content information on Hass and Shepard avocados was limited or nonexistent in the NUTAB 2006 guidelines. While consumers were aware of the monounsaturated fat contained in avocados, they had less knowledge of other nutrients and bioactive compounds. Data from 1983–1998 on Fuerte and Hass needed updating for new varieties and new supply chains.
The project aimed to establish a suitable portion size for avocado and conduct dietary modelling.
It explored whether consumers wanted additional nutrient and health information from industry.

What was done

This project collected new data on the levels of nutrients and bioactive compounds in Hass and Shepard avocados to update the current nutritional content information available.
The University of Wollongong (UoW) Smart Foods Centre ran a focus group to identify if consumers wanted additional nutrient and health information from industry.